Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, which makes planning an island hopping trip both exciting and a little daunting. These 5 give you a mix of easy boat hops from Bali and wilder journeys further east.
1. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida sits off the south-east coast of Bali, about 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. It is best known for Kelingking Beach, where a headland shaped like a dinosaur drops into the sea, and for Manta Point, where manta rays gather year round. Roads on the island are steep and narrow, so most visitors hire a driver for the day.
2. The Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air lie just off the north-west coast of Lombok, around 2 hours by fast boat from Bali. There are no cars or motorbikes, so you cycle, walk or take a horse cart. Gili Trawangan has the most nightlife, Gili Air has a relaxed village feel, and Gili Meno is the quietest. Sea turtles feed on the reefs close to shore.
3. Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is reached by boat from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, which has direct flights from Bali. The park is home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, which grows up to 3m long and is seen on guided walks with park rangers. Day trips and liveaboard boats also stop at Padar Island’s viewpoint and the soft pink sand of Pink Beach.
4. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, in West Papua, has more than 1,500 islands and some of the richest coral reefs on earth. Getting there takes time: fly to Sorong, then take the ferry of about 2 hours to Waisai. Most visitors stay in small homestays or dive resorts, and the karst viewpoint at Piaynemo is the classic photo stop.
5. Lombok
Lombok lies east of Bali and feels quieter and less developed. The south coast around Kuta Lombok has surf beaches and bays, while the north is dominated by Mount Rinjani, a 3,726m volcano with a crater lake that can be climbed on a 2 or 3 day trek.
When to go
The dry season, from about May to October, brings calmer seas and clearer water for boat trips. The wet season, from November to March, brings afternoon rain and rougher crossings, especially on longer routes.
A simple route
Start in Bali, take a fast boat to Nusa Penida, then on to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Fly from Lombok or Bali to Labuan Bajo for Komodo, and save Raja Ampat for a dedicated trip of a week or more.
